Discover Benelux | Hotel and Culinary Profile of the Month | The Netherlands
HOTEL OF THE MONTH, THE NETHERLANDS
TEXT: EVA MENGER | PHOTOS: KAREL VANDENBERGHE
Sustainable comfort in the heart of the city The warm and cosy Court Garden Hotel was built entirely with sustainability in mind. Not only has the former office been renovated using nothing but green materials and energy efficient isolation systems, it has also recently opened its very own vegetable garden. The marriage of environmental awareness and calm, relaxing vibes makes this home-away-from-home an ideal place from which to discover the bustle of The Hague.
away, and the city centre is within walking distance: options aplenty for any type of guest. With Scheveningen beach around the corner, The Hague is the perfect place to enjoy some fresh air, so grab you coat, pack some snacks and make the most of the hotel’s bike rental service. Not quite used to cycling yet? Fret not: tram 1 will take you there in less than 20 minutes. And then there is breakfast, which is something that Court Garden Hotel takes very seri-
ously. One-hundred per cent organic, the colourful breakfast buffet contains home-grown apples, pears, strawberries, berries, cucumbers, courgettes, pumpkins and herbs: “you name it, we grow it,” general manager Karel Vandenberghe tells us. An excellent reason to get out of bed in the morning.
Whether a first time visitor or here for business, Court Garden Hotel will make everyone feel at home as soon as they walk through the door. Rooms are catered for all needs, and the welcoming hotel lounge invites guests to help themselves to an organic cuppa whenever they please. As the hotel is located in the lively and historic Zeeheldenkwartier, going out is equally as simple. Popular bars, cafes and restaurants are only a hop, a skip and a jump
LEFT: Guests are welcome to help themselves to coffee or tea in the hotel’s friendly and comfortable lounge. RIGHT: The hotel’s breakfast is entirely organic, including fruit and veg from their own picking garden.
Web: www.hotelcourtgarden.nl
CULINARY PROFILE OF THE MONTH, THE NETHERLANDS
The sweetest shop in The Hague No wonder this place is called the sweetest in The Hague. With toys, sweets and delicious high tea and ice cream, Bij Lotje is where everyone wants to be, young and old. In the picturesque neighbourhood Zeeheldenkwartier, not far from the city centre of The Hague, the little shop Bij Lotje offers an irresistible selection of ice cream, cakes and teas. “It’s the place where locals and tourists meet, which is quite unique,” admits owner Anouchka MauAsam and continues, “many customers say it’s like being invited to someone’s house.” And Bij Lotje certainly embodies the atmosphere of a family home. Here, children can play whilst their parents catch up over a cup of coffee. And everyone is welcome to grab an ice cream to devour on the sun-soaked terrace. Bij Lotje also offers children’s parties, where partygoers can decorate their own cupcakes. And even better: eat them afterwards. 68 | Issue 58 | October 2018
TEXT: MALIN NORMAN | PHOTOS: ROY BEUSKER
In autumn, the adorable store becomes a cosy living room where guests can enjoy a delicious high tea whilst checking out the passing crowd from the large windows. Bij Lotje has an excellent selection of loose teas, with some 19 different flavours to choose from, and the tea is served with home-made cupcakes. Always focused on the small details, there are also plenty of tea accessories such as pots and timers, perfect as a gift for a loved one. Young or old, Bij Lotje is a place to fall in love with. “The funny thing is, that nobody is
ever grumpy here. I only ever see happy people come in and leave the store. But it could just be the magic of sweets and ice cream,” smiles Anouchka. Or it could be that everyone is happy because of the fantastic atmosphere in this charming store. Web: www.bijlotje.nl